How do I ship products from my online store?

When you run an online store, sending products out to your customers is one of the most important tasks. But don't despair – it doesn't have to be complicated! This guide will help you understand how to easily and efficiently get your products to your customers, even if you're new to e-commerce.

What should you consider before shipping?

Before you send your first package, there are a few basic things you should think about to ensure a good experience for both you and your customers.

Packaging – Protect your products and your brand

Good packaging is crucial. It should protect your products during transport, but it can also be part of your customer's experience. Consider:

Protection: Use bubble wrap, packing material, or box filling to prevent damage.
Size: Choose a box that fits the item – neither too large (waste of space and money) nor too small (risk of damage).
Branding: Nice packaging, maybe with your logo or a thank you message, can give a professional impression and make customers come back.

Shipping methods – Where should the package go?

Your customers often have different preferences for receiving their goods. The most common are:

Package shop: Customer picks up the package themselves at a nearby store or package shop. This is often the cheapest solution.
Home delivery: Package is delivered directly to the customer's door. This is convenient for the customer but typically more expensive.
Letter/small packages: If the item is small enough, it might be sent as a letter or small package with lower postage.

Prices and shipping prices – What should you charge for shipping?

How do you price shipping? You can choose to:

Charge the actual price: You charge exactly what the shipping company costs you.
Offer free shipping: A popular solution that can increase sales, but remember to include shipping costs in the product's price.
Offer free shipping over a certain amount: A good way to encourage larger purchases.

Step by step: How to ship products

When you've received an order, the process of shipping the product is relatively straightforward:

Receive the order: Your online store notifies you when a customer has bought something.
Pack the product securely: Find the product in stock, pack it carefully in the chosen packaging, and close the package securely.
Create shipment online: Go to the shipping company's website (e.g., postal services, courier services). Here you enter the recipient's address and choose shipping method (package shop/home delivery). You pay for shipping online.
Print shipping label: After payment, you get a shipping label with a barcode and tracking number. Print it out and attach it clearly to the package.
Drop off the package: Bring the package to the chosen drop-off location – it can be a package shop, post office, or package box. Make sure to get a receipt for the drop-off.
Inform the customer: Many shipping companies automatically send a message to the customer with the tracking number. If not, you can notify the customer so they can track the package.

Choose the right shipping partner

There are several reliable shipping companies, each with their strengths. Here's an overview of the most common:

Shipping partner	Delivery types	Price level (indicative)	Best for
Postal services	Package shop, home delivery, letter	Medium to high	Broad coverage, also abroad, many drop-off locations.
Courier services	Package shop, home delivery	Medium	Good service, many package shops, popular for e-commerce.
Specialized shipping companies	Package shop, home delivery (also at night)	Low to medium	Often cheapest for package shops, also delivers on weekends.

It's a good idea to compare prices and services from the different companies, as they can vary depending on the package's size and weight.

Make shipping easy with GoShup.com

For you who want to make everything as easy as possible, GoShup.com is designed to simplify your entire online store experience, including shipping. With GoShup.com, you get a user-friendly system that gives you a clear overview of your orders, so you can easily process them and prepare for shipping. You avoid complicated technical setups and can focus on packing your products with care and sending them off. The simple approach means you can quickly get started selling and shipping without having to spend time learning complex integration solutions for shipping.

Shipping products from your online store is an essential part of your business, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. With the right preparation, a good shipping partner, and a user-friendly system, you can ensure your products reach your customers safely – every time!